There are plenty of reasons to visit Nashville this summer, including live music events, cultural festivals and world-class exhibitions.
From experiencing a show at the Grand Ole Opry as it celebrates 100 years to seeing country superstar Eric Church at the brand new The Pinnacle, (a 4,500-capacity live music venue located in the heart of Nashville Yards), and getting a true taste of Nashville at the 19th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival, Music City offers something for every traveller this summer.
Activities include the new Dolly Parton exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, witnessing one of the country’s largest July 4 fireworks and attending the longest-running Country Music festivals in the world.
On May 20, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will debut Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, a new exhibit honouring Parton’s six-decade career in music, film, business, philanthropy and beyond. The exhibit will run through September 30, 2026.
The Dolly Parton celebration continues this summer in Nashville as DOLLY: An Original Musical makes its world premiere at The Fisher Centre for the Performing Arts. Before heading to Broadway in 2026, Parton’s life story will come to life on stage – featuring some of her biggest hits and brand-new songs – during its limited debut: July 17 to August 17.
Nashville’s music museums also include the historic Ryman Auditorium, National Museum of African American Music, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Historic RCA Studio B and Johnny Cash Museum.
The CMA Fest returns to downtown Nashville June 5-8, marking 52 years as the longest-running Country Music festival in the world. Music fans can enjoy four days of meet and greets, autograph signings and live performances from hundreds of Country Music acts. Fans can purchase tickets to see global talent at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheatre or enjoy free live performances at multiple outdoor stages in downtown Nashville.
On July 4, at Let Freedom Sing! Music City Fourth of July, presented by Dr. Pepper, is a free family-friendly downtown event open to everyone and activities throughout the day includes the Amazon Family Fun Zone featuring inflatables, arts and crafts, and local food trucks.
Multi-platinum Country superstar Dierks Bentley will headline the event. The evening will conclude with one of the country’s largest July 4fireworks and drone shows, synchronised to live music from the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony.
Before heading downtown for Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4, get a true taste of Nashville at the 19th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival in East Nashville, which kicks off with the Fire Truck Parade. Visitors can enjoy free samples, cold drinks and other bites, cooking competitions and live music from local bands.
One of Nashville’s most unique events, Tomato Arts Fest, returns August 8-9 to East Nashville’s Five Points for its 22nd year.
The free family-friendly festival begins with a colourful parade of decorated floats and costumed characters, followed by a full line-up of tomato-themed fun, including costume contests, art shows, kids’ activities, shopping, local food and live music.
And as summer comes to a close, the 25th annual AMERICANAFEST returns to Nashville from September 9-13, gathering thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals from around the world.
The festival features hundreds of live performances across the city, celebrating American roots music – from folk and country to blues, soul and rock. Fans can also attend conference panels, industry seminars and the Americana Honors & Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
